Bridge Street and Mill Avenue Walking Paths

Wire Animal Art at Grogan Park

Grogan Park's first public art project was installed in late February at Grogan Park. Wire animal figures—dueling rabbits, deer, an owl, fox and heron—have been placed along the walking path at City Hall. The cost of the project was $10,700. Four more animals will be added in 2019. Residents have come by the park to take their picture in front of the exhibits. A full page article on this project ran recently in Rockingham Now.

Draper Public Space

This is a public space created after two Fieldcrest Road buildings were demolished in the Draper Downtown. $9,120 was spent to repair windows at the rear of the space, install benches and a sliding door, install lighting and landscaping. The public space will be used for musical events and other gatherings.

Promotional Brochures

$6,154 was allocated for two special promotional pieces for Eden’s rivers and special events. These brochures will be distributed to hotels and at welcome centers.

Freedom Park RV Pad

There are 10 RV pads with water, sewer and electrical hook ups at Freedom Parks available for rent.

Freedom Park Dog Park

This dog park is divided into two areas, one for large dogs and the other for small dogs. There are benches for pet owners and dog water fountains. $35,000 was allocated for this project.

Freedom Park Nature Trail Amenity Package

Benches and signage will be added to the Freedom Park Nature Trail. The trail will start across from Central Elementary School and continue to the park. This will provide a learning experience for students and add a trail for local residents. $14,400 was allocated for this project.

Dan River Nature Trail

This is a future trail that starts at the Leaksville Landing, continues behind Karastan Rug Mill and ends at the Bridge Street pump station. It will connect with a new Bridge Street sidewalk. Trail walkers can cross King’s Hwy and connect with the sidewalk that leads to the Smith River Greenway. $27,000 was allocated to this project.

Matrimony Creek Greenway

This trail is approximately 1.5 miles long and winds along the scenic Matrimony Creek. This section provides access to numerous residential streets and will also provide a spur trail to Douglass Elementary School. $45,000 was allocated to this project.

Karastan Mosaic

A rendering of the famous Karastan #717 rug will be created at Grogan Park by Rockingham County artist Teresa Phillips. It will be incorporated into the park gazebo in tribute to Eden’s oldest functioning industry that celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2018. The mosaic project was funded with a $5,000 allocation.

Grown & Gathered

In August of 2018, more than 100 people attended the Inaugural Grown & Gathered held at the Spray Mercantile. This featured locally grown food, beverages and desserts. It was one of the nicest events ever held in Eden. Because of its success, the Strategic Planning Commission asked for a second yearly event to be held and allocated $7,000 to help fund it.